Action spectrum for the effect of day-extensions on flowering and apex elongation in green, light-grown wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Abstract

Fluence-rate response curves for wavelengths from 640 nm to 730 nm were constructed for the day-extension promotion of flowering in green, light-grown, wheat (Triticum aestivum L., cv. Alexandria), a long-day plant. The resultant action spectrum had action maxima at 660 nm and 716 nm and resembles spectra for the high-irradiance reaction (HIR) seen in etiolated plants. Because, the HIR is thought to be controlled by type I pytochrome (that which is most abundant in etiolated tissue) our results indicate the involvement of type I phytochrome in the photomorphogenesis of a light-grown, green plant.